Infectious thyroiditis can develop due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. It can be acute or subacute, and can cause symptoms such as throat pain and thyroid gland swelling.

“Thyroiditis” refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland. Infectious thyroiditis means that an infection causes thyroid gland inflammation.

Acute infectious thyroiditis is more likely to develop due to bacteria or fungi. A virus can cause subacute infectious thyroiditis.

Infectious thyroiditis can affect both adults and children, though usually with different causes.

It is best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and advice on suitable treatments. Various remedies can help manage symptoms.

Read on to learn more about the causes and symptoms of infectious thyroiditis, what treatments may help, and more.

Infectious thyroiditis can develop due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

Acute infectious thyroiditis

Acute infectious thyroiditis is most commonly caused by gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. It can also be caused by mycobacteria and fungi.

Acute infectious thyroiditis is most likely to affect:

  • elderly individuals
  • chronically ill individuals
  • people who are immunocompromised

The condition can occur in children as a result of congenital abnormalities such as a problem with the development of the thyroid gland.

Subacute infectious thyroiditis

Subacute infectious thyroiditis usually develops after a respiratory infection. While more research is necessary medical professionals believe this may be due to a virus, such as:

There may also be a link between subacute infectious thyroiditis and the HLA-35 gene.

Some symptoms of infectious thyroiditis can include:

Symptoms such as fever and neck pain could indicate acute infectious thyroiditis.

Having symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a sneezing and a stuffy nose, could indicate subacute infectious thyroiditis.

If your doctor suspects infectious thyroiditis, they may refer you to an endocrinologist, who specialises in hormone conditions.

They may order an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. This can show features that may suggest thyroiditis.

They may also order a thyroid uptake and scan. This can help assess activity in the thyroid.

Blood tests can help check for infections.

Treatments for infectious thyroiditis can depend on the cause.

For acute infectious thyroiditis due to bacteria, doctors will likely recommend antibiotics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain.

Doctors may recommend abscess drainage where necessary.

For subacute infectious thyroiditis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms. NSAIDs can help manage pain.

In severe cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroids.

Without proper treatment, infectious thyroiditis can lead to an abscess. It can also spread into the bloodstream.

Medical emergencies can also occur. These include myxedema coma and thyroid storm.

Myxedema coma happens due to very low thyroid hormone levels. It causes:

  • dangerously low body temperature
  • low sodium levels
  • a slow heart rate

A thyroid storm typically affects people with chronic hyperthyroidism, and can cause:

  • very high fever
  • fast heart rate
  • agitation
  • confusion

Seeking medical help as soon as a person has concerns about infectious thyroiditis can help to reduce the likelihood of complications.

It may not be possible to completely prevent infectious thyroiditis. However, taking steps to reduce the likelihood of infections may help.

Ways to help prevent infections include:

  • regularly washing your hands
  • covering your mouth or face when coughing or sneezing
  • regularly cleaning workspaces
  • wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in clinical settings
  • working or spending time in well-ventilated areas
  • avoiding sharing towels, utensils, or other objects, particularly if a person has a known infection

Acute infectious thyroiditis develops due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Subacute infectious thyroiditis likely happens in response to a viral infection.

Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland. Infectious thyroiditis can cause symptoms such as a sore throat and swelling of the thyroid gland.

Doctors may recommend antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Pain relief medication such as NSAIDs can help manage pain.

Speak with a doctor as soon as there are concerns about infectious thyroiditis. The doctor can order tests, such as an ultrasound and blood tests, to help confirm the diagnosis. They can then recommend suitable treatments and provide monitoring for the risk of possible complications.